Mastery Isn’t Just for Big Things

It was about 7:45am and I was out in the neighborhood. It had rained the night before and the puddles were just starting to dry up.

I looked up to see one of my neighbors, with latex gloves on, carefully bending over and picking things up in the road.

I thought maybe she was picking up litter. She is one of those types of conscientious people. I shouted a quick, “good morning!” and was about to hop into my car when her eyes locked on mine and a smile split her face.

“Do you want to see what I’m doing?!”

“Sure?” I tentatively replied.

She shuffled toward me and opened her palm to a pile of wriggling worms.

I froze – not sure what to say next.

She cackled and said, “I have new little chicks and they LOVE worms! This is the best time to find them!” She leaned in and wiggled her eyebrows, “Now you know!”

Too often, when we think of success and accomplishment, we think of those big important things. You know, the stuff you want to add to your resume.

But sometimes, the most satisfactory levels of accomplishment come in the little things that we perform with excellence.

Now, harvesting worms is not something I’m adding to my bingo card, but the lesson of doing something small, at a high standard, that brings you joy is a reminder I’m glad to have gotten.

Are you the master of something small? Maybe you know how to load your dishwasher with the efficiency and elegance that a German engineer would praise. Maybe you can do trash can trick shots that wow your office mates. Maybe you can make even the grumpiest baby smile back at you.

Whatever it is, be proud of it. And if you ever need someone to celebrate it with you? I’ve got you.

Thanks for reading with me today. I hope you take some time this week to celebrate something you’re great at – no matter how small.